The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort on the Jamaican north coast boasts stunning scenery that creates a backdrop to the soothing sounds of the ocean. It hosts 516 rooms that are divided into 13 villas, each with 6 one-bedroom suites and 30 junior suites.

Date of visit: February 2016

Guests in our Party: 2 adults, 3 children

Reason for Visit: Media Visit

Tipping Policy: Tips are not included in the booking price and are appreciated for good service.

We stayed in a Junior Suite on the second floor of one of the buildings. There was no elevator but we were offered help to get the luggage upstairs. Our room had two double beds and a pull-out sofa, along with a small sitting area and balcony with an ocean view.

The beds were slightly harder than I am accustomed to, but the sofa bed was very comfortable. The sofa bed was also slightly larger than the beds, so we had our two boys sleep there while Mom and daughter shared a bed and Dad had a bed to himself.

The sofabed mattress sat low to the floor, which would not be a problem for the kids, except that we had ants. I suspect that my boys were the cause of the ants, since they were eating on their bed and probably left crumbs, but nevertheless, the ants came and stuck to that area of the room. We called the front desk who came quickly and sprayed for ants. They did have to come a second time later in the week.

The washroom was huge and the closet space was also perfect for a family of five. The view from the balcony was lovely and we enjoyed quite a bit of time out there. The boys liked to get room service and eat on the balcony.

All ten restaurants at the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton offer a children’s menu with kid friendly food options. Allergies and food sensitivities can also be catered to. The buffets offer something for everyone and the remaining restaurants offer cuisine from Mexico, India, Italian, Japanese and more.

Our (meaning myself, my husband and my daughter) favourite restaurant was Bhogali which featured Indian food. It was a total hit! The kids loved when the ice cream cart came around the pool and I enjoyed sitting in the restaurants where I could look out over the ocean.

Since my boys are picky eaters, they appreciated that they could order room service and get burgers and fries instead of trying any international meals (their loss!).

The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton is home to the largest resort pool in Jamaica. The kids loved this because they were free to splash and play without bothering anyone close by and I was most impressed by the availability of chairs and umbrellas. We found enough chairs together every time we went to the pool, and we always chose a spot that was right between the pool and the kid’s waterpark, so we could watch both areas from our seats. The waterpark is a small area for kids that had some water slides and fun characters. Connected to the waterpark was a splash pad for young children, so kids of all ages could enjoy the water.

The Kids Club area had another small pool as well as a trampoline and many toys and games inside. The area is supervised and children are not free to come and go on their own, they must be with a parent or guardian to leave. The teen club had computers and video games, as well as a couch area with a television and a graffiti wall for the kids to sign. My youngest wasn’t old enough to spend time in this room, but they allowed him to join his siblings when there were no other teens present.

Other activities on site include:

Aerobics

Aqua-gym

Ping-pong

Petanque

Waterpolo

Darts

Team games

Minigolf

Archery

3 tennis courts

2 beach volley ball nets

1 basketball courts

Multifunctional court

Soccer field

At night there is entertainment for kids and adults. Adults who want to enjoy some time without the kids can go to the spa pool for a quiet swim or to use the jacuzzis. We snuck away for an hour one day and it was heavenly. My daughter and I also enjoy mother/daughter manicures at the spa.

The service at the Grand Palladium was excellent. From groundskeepers to table staff, everyone was friendly and smiling. It was my husband’s first time to Jamaica and he enjoyed the way many Jamaican people freely sing to themselves while they work. I believe he even got some duets going!

My only service complaint is that there were always people trying to sell spa services or tours. They lined up in the hallways and called out to you, and it became tedious after awhile. They were respectful when we declined their offers, but we knew we would have to do it again when we walked through the main building again.

Resort Overview

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico, located on the Baja Peninsula, has a lot to offer vacationers. Breathtaking views of the mountains and the ocean will calm your spirit, while close encounters with whales and other wildlife will get your heart racing.

This area is home to many unique forms of marine and wildlife. From January to March you are almost guaranteed whale sightings and you may come across a whale shark in the Bay if you are lucky (I kayaked next to one).

While I have enjoyed the all-inclusive packages at this resort, you can book without the all-inclusive option and just pay for meals and drinks.

Tipping Policies

If you purchase the all-inclusive package, a percentage of that is set aside as a tip that is divided among all employees. You are welcome to provide cash tips to individuals as you please and they are free to keep their tips.

Rooms

We stayed in a 1-bedroom suite that had a bedroom with a king size bed and ensuite, living area with a pull-out couch, dining area, full kitchen, second washroom and a washer and dryer. There was a connecting door to the neighbouring room but we were not using it so I can not say what type of room it connected to. I actually stayed in the exact same room on both of my visits (a surprising accident) but I did have a chance to tour some other rooms and there are photos of both my room and a double room below. The bed was extremely comfortable, the water was hot in the shower and there was minimal noise from outside of the room.

All of the rooms overlook the pools and the bay and give you quite a show at sunrise when the mountains turn pink. The balcony was huge and had loungers and a table and chairs. There were patio doors off of the bedroom and the living room.

Dining

If you are looking for an authentic Mexican culinary experience, this is the right place to go. I was continually wowed by the delicious meals they prepared, even when I copped out and ordered a North American staple like pizza or burgers. Every dish is a work of art.

Should you choose the all-inclusive package, your meals at the Market Restaurant, Casa Mia and room service are included. The Market Restaurant offers buffet meals three times a day and also allows you to order a la carte. Casa Mia is an a la carte restaurant and there is a menu in your room for room service. You can enjoy fine dining at Danzante with a reservation and a fee, even for all-inclusive guests (although it is discounted for those who have the all-inclusive package). I had the best bowl of soup I’ve ever eaten at Danzante. It may actually be the best food I’ve ever eaten! In the video below you will see it being poured into my bowl and the server referring to it as “a little tasty”. It was the understatement of the year!

When you spend time by the pool you will get to know Manny and Roberto. These two will learn your name and your drink preference quicker than I’ve ever experienced before and they don’t let you sit with an empty glass. I enjoyed these two so much for their excellent service, their kind personas and their fun. Manny even friended me on facebook after we left and while I suspect he may do this with many customers, I was still pleased to see the invitation.

Activities

While there is a room dedicated to kids programming, it was not operating during my visits so I can not speak to the quality of that program. There were staff members who encouraged guests to take part in water aerobics or silly antics on the poolside like mixing your own margarita using a stationary bicycle.

The bay offers a beach and opportunities to go clamming, swimming or use the kayaks and paddleboards they have available. There are hiking paths and pools as well. The highlight for my husband was the golf course.

Danzante Golf Course

The Danzante Golf Course was not yet complete on our last visit, but he was able to play the 7 holes that were available and he grabbed a few chances to do this. I went along once to see the incredible views he was telling me about (during whale watching season you can see them from the signature hole!) but the rest of the time he was golfing, I was in the spa.

Sabila Spa

Sabila Spa is a little piece of heaven. The men and women are separated and it is a clothing optional spa. They have hot tubs of varying temperatures, cold tubs, eucalyptus tubs, saunas and of course many spa treatments. I treated myself to massages on both visits and I believe I would make the flight back just for another massage. They use registered massage therapists and their skincare products are divine.

Excursions

If you want to go off-site, there are several tours available that will take you whale watching, fishing, for a sunset cruise or to visit Loreto. I can’t even tell you how many whales we saw on my first visit to the resort, and also sea lions, dolphins and a wide variety of birds. Loreto is home to some interesting and historical buildings and many shops to pick up souvenirs.

In the evenings you are treated to entertainment in the form of singing, dancing and a little comedy as well. There is quite a list of talent on staff at Villa del Palmar!

Service

I haven’t traveled throughout Mexico so I’m not sure if it is a cultural thing, but the staff at Villa del Palmar Loreto act more like old friends and family than co-workers. They greet each other with hugs and two handed handshakes. I was surprised on my second visit to see so many of the same faces and for them to remember me. The language barrier was never a problem. They encouraged us to try out our spanish (which is horrific but I tried) and they were happy to speak to us in english as well, when possible.

Our room was kept spotless and we were given different sweet treats and towel animals every day. They do not stock a fridge, but there is a store on the resort where you can buy water and soft drinks for a reasonable price, and you can ask for bottles of water at the restaurants if you are on the all-inclusive plan. They will also pack a bucket of beer for you to take to your room if you want to put some in the fridge for later.

What the Kids are Saying

Nothing! They weren’t invited.

Would we visit again?

Since I already made a second visit, I guess this question is moot, but would I go a third time? Heck yeah! This is my happy place. I love everything about the resort, the staff, the food and the atmosphere. We are undecided on whether we would visit with the kids. They would have a great time, but it would change the atmosphere for us. For now, my husband and I have labeled this as “our place”.

Gallery

When my family and I boarded our plane for Turks & Caicos, we weren’t sure what to expect from the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa. Having been to Sandals Ochi, I knew we were in for a treat, but I didn’t know just how much of a treat! In our four days there, we didn’t come close to doing everything that was available to us. I put together a list of 60 different things you can do at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Relax

Swim

Grab a burger at a 50s diner

Sit around a bonfire

Ride a hydrobike

Have family portraits taken

Snorkle

Play in the Xbox lounge

Grab a drink at a swim up bar

Play giant chess

Try some Jamaican food

Visit a local school and read to the kids

Ride on a catamaran

Enjoy a facial

Work out in the fitness centre

Kayak in the ocean

Enjoy fresh seafood

Go down a waterslide

Visit a buffet

See a movie

Watch a show

Eat Italian food

Watch a street parade

Paddleboard

Join a conga line

Get married

Celebrate a special occasion

Get a massage

See a live band

Go windsurfing

Take part in a talent show

Watch someone else get married

Order a pizza

Surf

Scuba dive

Shoot some hoops

Go out on a hobie cat

Eat sushi

Golf in Provo

Go dancing

Hug Elmo

Dine in a french restaurant

Go fishing

Learn to be a DJ

Soak in a hot tub

Explore local islands

Let the kids take part in activities with Sesame Street characters

Get a certified nanny

Have dinner with your toes in the sand

Sign out a board game

Do a scavenger hunt

Visit a conch farm

Let the kids join the kids programs

Play tennis

Send the teens to Club Liquid

Ride the Cho Cho train

Have a candelight dinner

Do some shopping

Float on the lazy river

Grab a bite and a pint in an english pub

The fun is unlimited, as is the relaxation. It is a vacation place to make last memories with the family.

I was graciously treated to a stay at Chelsea Toronto. All opinions are my own.

While we live to travel and want to be spending our summer exploring new places, sometimes it’s fun to explore closer to home. A visit to Chelsea Toronto could be just the thing you are looking for. My son and I recently enjoyed a weekend visit and today I am remembering a past visit with the entire family.

Since there were five of us, we had two rooms: a Deluxe Double room and an attached Parlour Room. The couch in the parlour room pulled out into a bed and we were also provided a cot so that we all had a comfortable place to sleep. When traveling with three children and two adults, adjoining rooms are absolutely necessary and we really liked having the rooms set up in a way that we could have a separate living space from the assigned sleeping space.

Here is a little more information about Chelsea Toronto, from their website…

Centrally located within walking distance to the city’s subway as well as the thriving business and shopping districts, Eaton Chelsea, Toronto offers travellers efficient and comfortable accommodation in the heart of the city.

Featuring 1,590 contemporary guestrooms and suites, Eaton Chelsea is Canada’s largest hotel, delivering warm and reliable service and a variety of accommodation options.

All rooms are equipped with technological conveniences and amenities, including basic complimentary Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi).

Eaton Chelsea offers guests a broad choice of dining venues. Experience all-day dining at Market Garden, enjoy fresh local dishes at Bb 33 Bistro and Brasserie, indulge in a coffee or cocktail at the T|Bar Lounge or embrace the lively vibe in Monarchs Pub, downtown Toronto’s hotspot for nightly entertainment.

During our stay at the Eaton Chelsea we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Bb33 Bistro. The Bb33 now serves a delicious breakfast every morning and we were delighted to have the same excellent server from our last visit. Her smiling face is a great way to start the day!

We were also treated to an amazing dining experience on the Market Garden Patio. The chef created a delicious menu that included food specially prepared for the children and adults. It was divine and the atmosphere on the patio was lovely.

The Eaton Chelsea is located right downtown so it is easy to explore Toronto and enjoy everything in the area. While I have been to Toronto many times, I had never visit Centre Island before and this visit was our chance to do that. We rode a ferry over to the Island first, and I caught this perfect shot of the skyline.

When we got to the Island we went straight to Centreville. This is an amusement park on the island and the kids were very excited to visit. There were a lot of fun rides for my kids and even some fun rides like bumper boats for bigger kids.

After our time at Centreville we visited the beach and found a splash pad in the middle of the park.

The Chelsea Toronto is definitely the perfect place to stay if you want to explore Toronto attractions and take advantage of the discounts they can offer their guests.

I think we’re all pretty tired of the cold and snow, but we show it in different ways. My husband and I sigh when we look outside and choose not to venture into it unless we have to. My dog lays in front of the door, but if you open it for him he immediately retreats to his kennel. And then there’s my kids.

The kids have gone off the deep end! School mornings are filled with tears and fake illnesses. After school until well after bedtime my kids are wound up. They’re restless and they need something to do! Thankfully March Break is right around the corner and they will soon be relieved of their school responsibilities for a short while.

We gave them a bit of a break already by whisking them off to Great Wolf Lodge for a night. Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara is the perfect place to whisk the kids away to for some fun. Of course it is known as being an extensive indoor waterpark with endless opportunities for water fun, but there’s so much more to it than that! You can find a spa for girls, a bowling alley, mini-golf, places to grab a meal or a snack and countless planned activities for the kids.

My kids were particularly excited to take part in MagiQuest. They each customized their own wands and set out on a quest to find some hidden gems. It was a great way to tour the entire resort while the kids felt like explorers!

This trip was just what they needed to burn off a little steam. In the waterpark we floated along the lazy river before splitting up to do what we all enjoy most. For me and the boys it was the wave pool, and my daughter and husband hit the waterslides. When the boys were tired of the wave pool, they played in the splash pad area while I enjoyed a break at a nearby table. I didn’t feel the need to hover (although I could see them from a distance) for a couple of reasons. First off I had a life jacket on my 7 year old, that was provided by GWL. He was with his 12 year old brother too, but the main reason I was comfortable was I had already learned about the level of safety in the waterpark.

I was taken on a tour of the waterpark areas and shown just how important safety is to Great Wolf Lodge. Here are some of the important points I learned about safety at the resort:

all lifeguards have both Canadian lifeguard qualifications and the Ellis qualifications used in the USA

the water park staff are trained to administer oxygen, and they respond to all hotel emergencies

there are 30 lifeguards and 15 water attendants, the number at the pools adjusts with the number of people in the park

the water is tested hourly to ensure it is clean

there are 39 pumps managing the water for the park

water filters housed in the park remove up to 4 microns of contamination in the water, and UV filters remove the rest

“Timmy” is an infant manequin that is used as a training aide for lifeguards

I was given a demonstration of how Timmy is used in training. He was dropped in the water and within seconds he was spotted by a lifeguard who blew her whistle and jumped in to rescue him. When she moved to retrieve Timmy from the water, another lifeguard quickly moved into her position so that the swimmers were being monitored at all times. It was impressive, and comforting to this mother!

We wrapped up our day by retiring to our Kid Cabin Suite. It contained a log cabin with a set of bunk beds and a separate twin bed, which is ideal for our family. The fireplace was a hit too!

I was graciously treated to a stay at Hawks Cay. All opinions are my own.

When thinking of a family getaway in Florida, you may not immediately consider the Keys, but this tropical destination isn’t just for singles and beach bums! The Florida Keys are full of adventures and beauty that you will want to share with your entire family. Right around mile marker 61 in the Florida Keys you will find yourself at Hawks Cay in Duck Key. This family-friendly resort has a very relaxing vibe, but there are plenty of fun things available to keep the whole family entertained.

A little community of its own

When you visit Hawks Cay, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from for your family’s accommodations. The main hotel offers regular rooms and suites, but there are also cottages and villas available—some of which are privately owned but others are available to the public. I quite like the ideas of the villas and cottages as they are spacious enough to fit larger families. Plus, everything you need is right there. You don’t have to go very far to relax, have fun, or eat at Hawks Cay. You can even use a golf cart to get from one area to the next! Dining choices vary from pizza delivery, to poolside breakfast, to formal dining, and of course fresh seafood and key lime pie are always on the menu.

Fun for kids (and young at heart)

For a small fee the kids can party on all day—under supervision of course! Also included in the fee is the new Camp Hawk Environmental Education Program, which was created by a certified teacher for children aged 5-12 as a fun way to learn about the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys. The kids can get up close and learn about bugs, birds, sea creatures, and creepy critters.

For your youngster that has a wild imagination, they’re going to love the Pirate Ship pool and the Salt Water Lagoon, along with three other resort pools that are open to kids. Your little ones can pretend to be swash-buckling pirates sailing the seven seas while you and your significant other can relax at the Tranquility Pool.

Fun for the adults

More quiet adult time can be found at the Calm Waters Spa, where you enjoy various treatments available, or just soak in the Jacuzzi. Champagne, fruit-infused water and tea is also available to guests while they’re enjoying some pampering.

For those seeking some splash-worthy fun on the water can make use of the full-service marina located at Hawks Cay, or charter a boat to do some fishing. Dive Duck Key offers scuba certification so you can explore in one of their wreck dives, or night dives. At Sundance Water Sports you can participate in parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even go out on a sunset cruise for romantic evening.

Hawks Cay is a neat little community as it combines adventure and luxury, and it has a little bit of everything to please every member of that big family of yours!